Why Leaders Disagree With Trump's Decision To Withdraw From Syria

President Trump announced that the U.S. military had wiped out ISIS in Iraq and Syria. That they were destroyed, almost gone, and it was time for the troops to come back home. But even if ISIS has lost its territories, it doesn't mean that it has lost its power. 

On this episode hosted by Michel Barbaro, The New York Times Iraq correspondent Rukmini Callimachi discusses the misunderstandings leading to this decision and why both military and civilian leaders are against withdrawing from Syria. 

It's not the first time that it seems like the group was finished. Last time, it came back stronger than ever.

When the Omaba administration decided to pull out from Iraq, U.S. partners in the region were unable to keep fighting what was left of ISIS. In less than four years, they were able to take back territory from Iraq and Syria that was the size of Great Britain. When this happened, it was estimated that there were 700 fighters left. According to different groups, today ISIS still has between 20,000 and 30,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.

On top of that, after the U.S. troops pull out from Syria, Turkey and Russia plan to take over the territories. Although Ankara and Moscow might act as allies now, they have both very different interests in the region, which will probably bring even more instability. 

What would lead the U.S. to take this decision? A lesson unlearnt.

An interesting and revealing discussion on the wrong assessment made by the Trump administration and the consequences this rushed decision might bring after so many years of war.